Orient residents vote in favor of recommendations for hamlet

Residents in Orient have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the “Orient Plan,” a set of policies for the hamlet to complement Southold Town’s comprehensive plan.

Residents voted on nine propositions in the plan created by the Orient Association and the results were unveiled Sunday. In October and November, 364 ballots were answered and all nine propositions were voted yes. The propositions relate to building size limitations, to traffic calming and advanced septic systems. All of the propositions received at least 79 percent approval, according to results provided by Orient Association president Bob Hanlon.

The results will be submitted to Southold Town with the hope that the policies applicable to Orient can be adopted. The plan is not legally binding, Mr. Hanlon had previously noted; the Town won’t be required to adopt any of the nine recommendations.

“Representatives from Orient hope to then work with Town officials and others to find ways to develop law and regulations putting these policies fully into effect,” a statement from the Orient Association said.

A mailing about the plan and how to vote was sent out in October to all postal patrons in the hamlet. More than 400 people on the Orient Civic Association’s distribution list who own or rent property in Orient but don’t keep a postal address were also contacted.